PRAIRIE RING-NECKED SNAKE
SPECIES: Diadophis punctatus arnyi
STATUS: Least Concern
HABITAT: As the name implies they are found in prairie grasslands, but can also be found under rocks, logs and dead leaves in woodland areas.
DIET: Earthworms, slugs and sometimes insects.
GENERAL: Ring-necked snakes are easily identifiable by the ring around the neck and they can attain lengths of 9-14 inches.
The Prairie Ring-necked Snake and others of its kind are actually venomous but their fangs are at the back of the mouth and most likely never come in contact with your skin and the venom itself is no threat to humans but the venom is used to help subdue its prey.
There are 14 subspecies of Ring-Necked Snakes
Key Ring-Necked Snake-Diadophis punctatus acricus
Pacific Ring-Necked Snake-Diadophis punctatus amabilis
Todos Santos Island Ring-Necked Snake-Diadophis punctatus anthonyi
Prairie Ring-Necked Snake-Diadophis punctatus arnyi
Dugès’ Ring-Necked Snake-Diadophis punctatus dugesii
Northern Ring-Necked Snake-Diadophis punctatus edwardsii
San Bernardino Ring-Necked Snake-Diadophis punctatus modestus
Northwestern Ring-Necked Snake-Diadophis punctatus occidentalis
Coral Belly Ring-Necked Snake-Diadophis punctatus pulchellus
Southern Ring-Necked Snake-Diadophis punctatus punctatus
Regal Ring-Necked Snake-Diadophis punctatus regalis
San Diego Ring-Necked Snake-Diadophis punctatus similis
Mississippi Ring-Necked Snake-Diadophis punctatus stictogenys
Monterey Ring-Necked Snake-Diadophis punctatus vandenburgii
Photo attributed to Beth W.
